City votes on big-league chances on Tuesday

Oklahoma City voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide on a proposition that would extend the MAPS for Kids sales tax for an additional 15 months. The penny tax, which is set to expire at the end of the year, was originally part of a plan to generate more than $500 million for OKC metro-area schools.

While taxes are rarely popular with the voting public, MAPS money has given us Bricktown and its canal area. It helped:" build the Ford Center, " revitalize the Cox Convention Center and " rejuvenate the beautiful Civic Center.

Its impact on the local economy has been immeasurable in terms of growing tourism and creating new jobs and business opportunities.

GIANT STEPAnd now, Mayor Mick Cornett is asking voters to take one more giant step forward in the name of progress. As he puts it, Oklahoma City has a real chance to become a "Big League City," and their get-out-the-vote campaign is urging voters to check the "Yes" box on Tuesday.

If passed, the temporary tax extension will generate more than $120 million that will fund vital improvements to the Ford Center, as well as potentially help build a practice facility. That facility is critical to the city's chances of bringing in an NBA team.

If the extension is approved, it looks like OKC may very well become the new home of the current Seattle SuperSonics. "Jay C. Upchurch